Aryloxy benzotriazole herbicidal agents and methods for the preparation thereof

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to certain substituted aryloxy benzotriazole compounds which are herbicidal agents. The structures of these compounds are represented by formulas I and II shown below: ##STR1## wherein M is C--X, N or N +  --O -  ; 
     W, X, Y and Z each independently represent hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, C 1  -C 4  haloalkyl or C 1  -C 4  haloalkoxy; 
     n is 0, 1 or 2; 
     R is hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl, aryl or when taken together with R 1 , R and R 1  may form a ring in which RR 1  are represented by the structure --(CH 2 ) m  -- where m is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5; 
     R 1  and R 2  are each independently hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl or when taken together R 1  and R 2  may form a ring in which R 1  R 2  are represented by the structure --(CH 2 ) m  -- where m is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5; 
     R 3  is cyano, ##STR2##  CH 2  OR 8  or CH(OR 9 ) 2  ; Q is OH, OR 4  or NR 5  R 6  ; 
     A is O, NOR 5 , NCOR 5 , NNR 5  R 6  or NNHCONH 2  ; 
     R 7  is hydrogen, C 1  -C 4  alkyl or aryl; 
     R 8  is hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl; 
     R 9  is C 1  -C 4  alkyl; 
     R 4  is C 1  -C 6  alkyl optionally interrupted by O or S or optionally substituted with C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, C 3  --C 6  cycloalkyl, furyl, or optionally substituted phenyl; C 3  -C 6  alkenyl optionally substituted with one or two C 1  -C 3  alkoxy, halogen, substituted phenyl or C 3  -C 6  cycloalkyl; C 3  -C 6  alkynyl optionally substituted with C 1  -C 4  alkoxy or halogen; C 3  -C 6  cycloalkyl; ammonium; C 1  -C 6  dialkylammonium; C 1  -C 6  trialkylammonium; a metal cation; or a moiety of formula ##STR3## R 5  and R 6  each independently represent hydrogen, C 1  -C 6  alkyl, phenyl or halophenyl; 
     the benzotriazole N-oxide or N-methosulfate; and when R 1  or R 2  is C 1  -C 4  alkyl, the optical isomer thereof; with the proviso that when M is C--X in formula I, wherein X is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano or C 1  -C 4  haloalkyl, the benzotriazole is substituted in the 6 position by aryloxy, n is O, R 3  is ##STR4##  and R 7  is C 1  -C 4  alkyl, then R and R 1  cannot be hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkyl. The invention is further directed to methods for the preparation of the aryloxy benzotriazole compounds.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 266,545, filed on Nov. 3, 1988, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain heteraromatic diphenyl ethers are disclosed as herbicidal agents in European Patent Publication No. 178,708. The publication discloses certain substituted phenoxy benzoheteroaromatic compounds such as benzotriazoles, benzoxadiazoles, benzothiadiazoles, benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles as herbicides. It has now been found that when aryloxy benzotriazoles are substituted at the N¹ position by certain substituted alkyl moieties, an unexpectedly increased level of herbicidal activity is obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to certain substituted aryloxy benzotriazole compounds that are highly effective as herbicidal agents. The present invention is also directed to methods for preparing the aryloxy benzotriazole compounds.

The aryloxy benzotriazole compounds of the present invention have the structure: ##STR5## wherein the benzotriazole portion of the formula I compound is substituted by aryloxy in the 5 or 6 position;

M is C--X, N, or N⁺ --O⁻ ;

W, X, Y, and Z are each independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl or C₁ -C₄ haloalkoxy;

n is 0, 1 or 2;

R is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, aryl or when taken together with R₁, R and R₁ may form a ring in which RR₁ are represented by the structure --(CH₂)_(m) -- where m is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5;

R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or when taken together R₁ and R₂ may form a ring in which R₁ R₂ are represented by the structure --(CH₂)_(m) where m is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5;

R₃ is cyano, ##STR6## CH₂ OR₈ or CH(OR₉)₂ ; Q is OH, OR₄ or NR₅ R₆ ;

A is O, NOR₅, NCOR₅, NNR₅ R₆ or NNHCONH₂ ;

R₇ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or aryl;

R₈ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl;

R₉ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl;

R₄ is C₁ -C₆ alkyl optionally interrupted by O or S or optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, furyl, or optionally substituted phenyl; C₃ -C₆ alkenyl optionally substituted with one or two C₁ -C₃ alkoxy, halogen, substituted phenyl or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; C₃ -C₆ alkynyl optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or halogen; C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; ammonium; C₁ -C₆ dialkylammonium; C₁ -C₆ trialkylammonium; a metal cation; or a moiety of formula ##STR7## R₅ and R₆ each independently represent hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or halophenyl;

the benzotriazole N-oxides and N-methosulfates; and when R₁ or R₂ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, the optical isomers thereof.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the substituted aryloxy benzotriazoles are herbicidal agents, which exhibit control of a broad spectrum of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. The compounds are effective at low application rates for controlling weeds indigenous to both dry and wet land areas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred group of the substituted aryloxy benzotriazoles of the present invention are illustrated by above formula I, wherein the benzotriazole is substituted in the 6 position by aryloxy; M is C--X; X, Y, and Z each independently represent Cl, F, or CF₃ ; W is hydrogen; n is O; R and R₁ are each independently hydrogen or methyl; and R₃ is C₁ -C₄ carboalkoxy or carboxy.

Compounds of formula I (wherein the benzotriazole is substituted in the 5 or 6 position) or formula II are prepared as shown below i flow diagram I wherein B is halogen and M, W, Y, Z, n, R, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as hereinabove described for formula I and II with the proviso that at least one or R or R₁ is hydrogen. ##STR8##

The appropriately substituted halobenzene is reacted with m-nitrophenol to give the phenyl ether III which is then nitrated to give compound IV, which in turn is reduced to give the diamino compound, V. The compound V is ring closed in the presence of sodium nitrite and the resultant phenoxy benzotriazole, VI, is reacted with a haloalkyl electrophile to yield compounds of formula I and II as shown above wherein at least one of R or R₁ is hydrogen.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula I, wherein the benzotriazole is substituted in position 6, are prepared as shown below in flow diagram II. ##STR9##

the appropriately substituted dinitro compound (IV) is reacted with an amine nucleophile to give compounds of formula VII. Reduction of VII affords the diamine VIII, which is ring-closed through the agency of sodium nitrite to afford compounds of formula I, wherein the aryloxy group is attached to position 6 of the benzotriazole. This method of preparation is most effectively carried out when n is O and R₃ is CH(OR₉)₂.

Another method useful for preparing compounds of formula I wherein the benzotriazole is substituted in position 6 is shown in flow diagram III. ##STR10##

The appropriately substituted halobenzene is reacted with the 6-hydroxy benzotriazole compound IX to give compounds of formula I.

The intermediate 6-hydroxy benzotriazole compound IX wherein when n is O, R₃ is CH(OR₉)₂ is prepared as shown in flow diagram IV. ##STR11##

The amine nucleophile as hereinabove described is reacted with 4-benzyloxy-2-halo-nitro-benzene to give the intermediate compound X. Reduction of compound X in the presence of Raney Nickel affords the diamine XI which is ring closed using nitrous acid to give the benzotriazole compound XII. Reductive cleavage of the benzyl group yields the intermediate 6-hydroxy benzotriazole compound IX.

Advantageously, it has been found that the above-described process illustrated in flow diagrams III and IV is most effectively carried out for those formula I compounds wherein n is O, and R₃ is carboxy when the amine nucleophile is protected as the dialkyl acetal of the corresponding aminoaldehyde. Subsequent hydrolysis and oxidation of the thus-obtained 6-aryloxy benzotriazole intermediate XIII affords compounds of formula I wherein n is O and R₃ is carboxy. An example of this process is shown in flow diagram V wherein the dimethyl acetal of an aminoacetaldehyde is used as the amine nucleophile. ##STR12##

The formula I and II aryloxy benzotriazoles of the present invention are useful for the control of a wide variety of herbaceous and woody, annual and perennial, monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. These compounds are effective in controlling the above-said plants when applied to the foliage thereof or to soil, or water, containing seeds or propagating organs of said plants such as tubers, rhizomes, or stolons at rates of about 0.005 to 5.0 kg/ha and preferably at rates of about 0.01 to 4.0 kg/ha.

Among the plants which may be controlled with the compounds of this invention are Abutilon theophrasti, Sesbania exaltata, Ipomoea Sp., Sida spinosa, Cassia obtusifolia, Seteria glauca, Sorghum halepense, and Echinocholoa crusgalli.

The formula I compounds are applied in agronomically acceptable carriers which are formulated as wettable powders, dust concentrates, granula formulations, suspension concentrates, microemulsions, emulsifiable concentrates, solutions, emulsions and the like.

Wettable powders are prepared by grinding together about 20% to 45% by weight of a finely divided solid carrier such as kaolin bentonite, diatomaceous earth, attapulgite, or the like, 45% to 80% by weight of the active compound, 2% to 5% by weight of a dispersing agent such as sodium lignosulfate, and 2% to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant such as octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol, nonylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol or the like.

A typical emulsifiable concentrate is prepared by dissolving about 5% to 25% by weight of the active compound in about 65% to 90% by weight of a carrier such as N-methylpyrrolidone, isophorone, butyl cellosolve, methyl acetate or the like and dispersing therein bout 5% to 10% by weight of a nonionic surfactant such as an alkylphenoxy polyethoxy alcohol. This concentrate is dispersed in water for application as a liquid spray.

Preparation of a granular formulation is achieved by dissolving the active compound in a solvent such as methylene chloride, N-methylpyrrolidone, or the like and spraying the thus-prepared solution on a granular carrier such as corncob grits, sand, attapulgite or kaolin. The granular product, thus-prepared, generally comprises about 3% to 20% by weight of the active compound and about 97% to 80% by weight of the granular carrier.

In order to facilitate a further understanding of the invention, the following examples are presented primarily for the purpose of illustrating certain more specific details thereof. The invention is not to be deemed limited thereby except as defined in the claims. Unless otherwise noted, all parts are by weight, all temperatures are expressed as degrees centigrade, NMR designates proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and HPLC designates high pressure liquid chromatography.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 3-chloro-5-fluoro-4-(3-nitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride ##STR13##

A mixture of 36.7 g of 3-nitrophenol, 54.1 g of 3,4-difluoro-5-chlorobenzotrifluoride, and 41.5 g of powdered potassium carbonate in 300 mL dimethylsulfoxide is stirred at room temperature for 16 hours, then at 50° C. for 51/2 hours. The mixture is cooled, poured onto 1 L of water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase is washed thoroughly with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo to give 81.1 g of a residue, which is an isomeric mixture. Chromatography on silica gel using 7:3 hexane-ether as eluant affords 72.7 g of the desired product; HPLC analysis indicates >90% purity.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 3-chloro-5-fluoro-4-(3,4-dinitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride ##STR14##

a solution of 72.7 g of 3-chloro-5-fluoro-4-(3-nitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride in 200 mL of acetic acid is stirred at 10° C. and 108 g of 13% nitric acid in sulfuric acid is added over a 4 hour period. During the addition, more acetic acid is added so as to keep the reaction homogeneous. The reaction is stirred at room temperature for 21 hours, then 50 mL of acetic anhydride is added in 3 portions over 3 days with water bath cooling. The final reaction mixture is poured onto ice and extracted with methylene chloride. The combined extracts are washed with water followed by aqueous carbonate, then dried and concentrated in vacuo to give 73.5 g of a residue. This material is dissolved in 50 mL of acetic anhydride and cooled to 0° C. A solution of 8.5 mL of fuming nitric acid in 45 mL sulfuric acid is added alternately with 35 mL of acetic anhydride and 10 mL of acetic acid over a 4 hour period. After stirring for an additional one-half hour, the reaction is poured onto ice and worked up as above to afford 79 g of a residue. Column chromatography of this material on silica gel using hexane-chloroform mixtures affords 13.2 g of the title product as an oil, identified by NMR.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-1H-benzotriazole ##STR15##

A mixture of 13.2 g of 3=-chloro-5-fluoro-4-(3,4-dinitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride, 0.3 g of 5% Pd/C and 150 mL of ethanol is shaken in a Parr hydrogenation apparatus under 50 psi of H₂. During the course of the reaction, 0.8 g of 5% Pd/C is added in 2 portions over a 5 hour period. After a total of 23 hours, when the uptake of H₂ appears to cease, the reaction is filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue. This residue is dissolved in 100 mL of acetic acid and added, slowly over 3 hours, to a solution of 2.64 g of NaNO₂ in 30 mL of water and 50 mL of acetic acid at 5° C. After stirring at 5° C. to 20° C. for an additional 11/2 hours, the reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo to afford the title product, 20.4 g.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate and methyl 5-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate ##STR16##

A mixture of 2.5 g of 6-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-1H-benzotriazole, 1.59 g of methyl bromoacetate, and 2.07 g of powdered potassium carbonate in 30 mL of dimethylformamide is stirred qt room temperature for 24 hours. The mixture is concentrated in vacuo, and the resultant residue is partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic phase is washed with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo, and this residue, which contains a mixture of alkylated products, is purified by HPLC using hexane-methyl-t-butyl ether as eluant to afford 0.92 g of Ia as a gum, 97.6% pure by HPLC, identified by NMR, and 0.74 g of IB as a gum, 96.2% pure by HPLC, identified by NMR.

Using essentially the same procedure, and substituting methyl-α-bromopropionate as electrophile, affords 1.05 g of methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)-oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum of 97.3% purity, identified by NMR; 1.09 g of methyl 5-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-2H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum of 93.9% purity, identified by NMR; and 0.77 g of methyl 5-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum of 96.0% purity, identified by NMR.

Using essentially the same procedure, and substituting methyl-α-bromopropionate and 5-(2-chloro-6-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-1,2,3-benzotriazole as reactants, affords 0.87 g of methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum, identified by NMR; 1.68 g of methyl 5-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-2H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum, identified by NMR; and 1.38 g of methyl 5-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum, identified by NMR.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 3-{5-[2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-2-nitroanilino}propionitrile ##STR17##

A solution of 2.8 g of 3-chloro-4-(3,4-dinitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride and 1.09 g of β-aminopropionitrile in 10 mL acetonitrile is heated at reflux temperature for 8 hours. The solution is concentrated in vacuo, and the residue is dissolved in methylene chloride, washed twice with water, and concentrated in vacuo to give solid residue. Recrystallization from methanol affords the title compound, 3.08 g HPLC indicates 95.7% purity, mass spectral analysis indicates MW 385.

Using essentially the same procedure and substituting 3-chloro-5-fluoro-4-(3,4-dinitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride and the appropriate amino alcohol, amino aldehyde, dimethylacetal or amino acid, the following compounds are obtained.

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR18##                                                                     R                R.sub.1   R.sub.3                                             ______________________________________                                         CH.sub.3         H         CH.sub.2 OH                                         CH.sub.3         CH.sub.3  CH.sub.2 OH                                         C.sub.6 H.sub.5 (R-isomer)                                                                      H         CH.sub.2 OH                                         C.sub.6 H.sub.5 (S-isomer)                                                                      H         CH.sub.2 OH                                         CH.sub.3         H         CH(OCH.sub.3).sub.2                                 CH.sub.3         H         CH.sub.2 COOH                                       ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 3-{6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]}propionitrile ##STR19##

A solution of 3.0 g of 3-chloro-4-(3-β-cyanoethylamino-4-nitrophenoxy)benzotrifluoride in 100 mL absolute methanol containing 0.3 g of 5% Pd/C is shaken in a Parr hydrogenation apparatus, initially at 40 psi H₂, for 5 hours. The resulting mixture is filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude diamine, identified by mass spectral analysis.

This material is dissolved in 40 mL acetic acid, cooled to 5° C., and 0.59 g NaNO₂ dissolved in 5 mL water is added over 4 minutes. The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue. The residue is dissolved in methylene chloride, washed sequentially with aqueous Na₂ CO₃ ad water, dried and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title product 2.45 g, as a gum: HPLC analysis indicates 92.8% purity; the product is further identified by mass spectral analysis (MW 366).

Using essentially the same procedure and employing the appropriate N-substituted 5-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-2nitroaniline compound as starting material, the following compounds are obtained.

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR20##                                                                     R             R.sub.1 R.sub.3    mp °C.                                 ______________________________________                                         CH.sub.3      H       CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               gum                                           CH.sub.3      CH.sub.3                                                                               CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               132-134                                       C.sub.6 H.sub.5 (R-isomer)                                                                   H       CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               85-86                                         C.sub.6 H.sub.5 (S-isomer)                                                                   H       CH.sub.2 OH                                                                               83-84                                         CH.sub.3      H       CH(OCH.sub.3).sub.2                                                                         90-97.5                                     CH.sub.3      H       CH.sub.2 COOH                                                                             212-215                                       ______________________________________                                    

The above compounds are identified by NMR and elemental analyses.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 2-aminopropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal ##STR21##

A mixture of pyruvic aldehyde dimethyl acetal oxime (38 g) and Raney nickel (5.63 g) in methanol is shaken in a Parr hydrogenator under 17-54 psig hydrogen. An additional 5.5 g of Raney nickel is added as needed and hydrogenation at 27-45 psig is continued until about 90% of the theoretical quantity of hydrogen is absorbed. The reaction mixture is filtered, and the filtrate is concentrated by distillation through a 30-cm column. When the distillate boiling point reaches 78° C., 75 ml of absolute ethanol is added and distillation is continued to give a 26 g (78%) fraction boiling at 138°-140° C. A twice-distilled sample of the title compound, bp 90°-100° C. (145 mm), is identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of benzyl 3-chloro-4-nitrophenyl ether ##STR22##

A mixture of 3-chloro-4-nitrophenol (10 g, 0.058 mole), benzyl bromide (11.8 g, 0.069 mole), and potassium carbonate (16 g, 0.116 mole) in acetone is stirred, heated at reflux temperature for 17 hours, cooled and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give a solid residue which is recrystallized from absolute ethanol to give the title compound, mp 82°-84.5° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 2-[5-(benzyloxy)-2-nitroanilino]-propionaldehyde dimethyl acetal ##STR23##

A mixture of benzyl 3-=chloro-4-nitrophenyl ether (48.2 g, 0.183 mole), 2-aminopropionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (65.3 g, 0.55 mole), potassium carbonate (101 g, 0.73 mole) and toluene in dry dimethyl sulfoxide, under nitrogen, is stirred at 99°-105° C. for 20 hours, cooled to room temperature and filtered. The filter cake is washed with ether. The combined filtrates are mixed with ice water. The phases are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted with ether. The ether extracts are combined with the organic phase. The combined organic phase is washed with six portions of water, dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give an oil residue which is crystallized in methanol to afford the title product as a yellow solid, 39.6 g (64.5%). A sample is recrystallized from methanol to afford a yellow solid, mp 57°-62° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 2-[2-amino-5-(benzyloxy)anilino]propionaldehyde dimethyl acetal ##STR24##

A solution of 2-[5-(benzyloxy)-2-nitroanilino]propionaldehyde dimethyl acetal (24.0 g, 0.0715 mole) in tetrahydrofuran is treated with Raney nickel (10 g) and placed in a Parr shaker hydrogenation apparatus under 20.5-37 psig hydrogen at ambient temperature. After the uptake of the theoretical quantity of hydrogen, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to afford the title product as a dark-colored syrup. The product is identified by infrared and mass spectral analyses.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 6-(benzyloxy)-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal ##STR25##

A solution of NaNO₂ (34 g, 0.492 mole) in water is added to a cold (3° C.) solution of acetic acid and water. A cold (4° C.) solution of 2-[2-amino-5-(benzyloxy)anilino]-propionaldehyde dimethyl acetal in dimethoxyethane is then added in one portion to the vigorously-stirred NaNO₂ acetic acid solution. The reaction temperature rises to 22° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 18°-22° C. for 20 minutes, cooled to 5° C., and filtered. The solid filter cake is washed with water and dried at 50° C., to give the title product as a white solid, 75.7 g (65.7%). A sample is recrystallized twice from 1:1 toluene-heptane solution to a white solid, mp 101°-103° C. (sinter 100° C.), identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 6-(benzyloxy)-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid ##STR26##

A solution of 6-(benzyloxy)-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal (95 g, 0.272 mole) and concentrated sulfuric acid (20 ml) in acetic acid and water is heated at 72° C. for 20 hours, cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The concentrated solution is diluted with acetone and water and treated with KMnO₄ (140 g) in portions over a three hour period at 18°-30° C. with stirring.

The reaction mixture is decanted and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to remove acetone, diluted with water, cooled in an ice bath, and the resulting precipitate is removed by filtration to give the title product. A sample of this solid is recrystallized twice from aqueous ethanol to afford a white solid, mp 213°-215° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of methyl 6-(benzyloxy)-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate ##STR27##

A mixture of 6-(benzyloxy)-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid (36.6 g, 0.123 mole) and concentrated sulfuric acid (2.7 ml) in methanol is stirred at reflux temperature for 6 hours, cooled in an ice bath and treated with K₂ CO₃ (25 g). The resulting mixture is stirred vigorously until a thick slurry results, diluted with methylene chloride and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give a solid residue. Recrystallization of the residue from methanol affords the title product as a white solid, 27 g, mp 88°-91.5° C., identified by NMR and elemental analyses. Another 4.2 g (81.7% total yield) of the title product is obtained form the mother liquor.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of methyl 6-hydroxy-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate ##STR28##

A solution of methyl 6-(benzyloxy)-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate (31 g, 0.1 mole) in dimethoxyethane and methanol is shaken with 10% palladium on carbon catalyst (8 g, 50% water wet) under 24-33 psig of hydrogen in a Parr apparatus until approximately 0.1 mole of H₂ is absorbed (21/2 hours). The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as an off-white solid, 21.7 g, mp 132.5°-134.5° C., identified by NMR and elemental analyses.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of methyl α-methyl-6-[(2-nitro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate ##STR29##

A mixture of methyl 6-hydroxy-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate (2.21 g, 0.01 mole), 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzotrifluoride (2.09 g, 0.01 mole), and K₂ CO₃ (5.5 g, 0.04 mole) in dry dimethyl sulfoxide is stirred at 22° C. for 16 hours, diluted with chloroform and filtered. The filtrate is washed with two portions of water and two portions of saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂ SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give a gum residue. The residue is crystallized from 60% aqueous ethanol to give 3.8 g of the title product as a yellow solid. A sample is recrystallized twice from 80% aqueous ethanol to give a yellow solid, mp 84.5°-88.2° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

Using essentially the same procedure and substituting the appropriate haloaryl starting material, the following compounds are obtained.

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR30##                                                                     M          W        Y        Z    mp °C.                                ______________________________________                                         CNO.sub.2  Cl       H        CF.sub.3                                                                            107-112                                      CNO.sub.2  H        NO.sub.2 CF.sub.3                                                                            113-122                                      N          H        H        CF.sub.3                                                                            gum                                          N          H        Cl       Cl   gum                                          N.sup.+O.sup.-                                                                            H        H        CF.sub.3                                                                            --                                           N.sup.+O.sup.-                                                                            H        Cl       Cl   --                                           ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid ##STR31##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal (23.0 g, 0.053 mole) in acetic acid is treated with 54 mol of 2.5 N H₂ SO₄ and heated at 70° C. for 12 hours. A portion of the reaction solution is concentrated, diluted with acetone and treated portionwise, at 25°-30° C., with an aqueous solution of KMnO₄ (23.7 g, 0.15 mole). Addition is continued until a persistent pink color is obtained at 27° C. The reaction mixture is filtered to remove MnO₂ and the filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give a residue. Addition of water to the thus-obtained residue precipitates the title compound as a pale yellow solid, 16.6 g. A sample is recrystallized twice from 75% aqueous ethanol to afford a crystalline solid, mp 174°-175.5° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid compound with isopropylamine (1:1) ##STR32##

Isopropylamine (0.5 g, 0.0085 mole) is added to a solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid (2.0 g, 0.005 mole) in methylene chloride and the resultant solution is concentrated in vacuo to afford a gum which is dissolved in toluene. The toluene solution is concentrated to afford the title compound as a white solid, mp 103.5°-105.5°, identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α,.alpha.-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate ##STR33##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α,.alpha.-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-ethanol (2.2 g, 0.00545 mole) in acetic acid and water is stirred at 56°-80° C., treated portionwise with solid KMnO₄ (8.5 g, 0.054 mole) over a 3 hour period, cooled and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give a gum residue. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel with 15% tetrahydrofuran in chloroform to afford a white solid, 1.2 g. The solid is dissolved in methanol, treated with a solution of diazomethane in tetrahydrofuran, heated on a steam bath and concentrated in vacuo to give a solid residue. Chromatography of the residue using silica gel and 5% tetrahydrofuran in carbon tetrachloride as eluant affords the title product as a white solid, 0.65 g, mp 76.8°-80° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazle-1-acetaldehyde ##STR34##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α, α,α,6-tetra-fluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal (20 g, 0.046 mole) in acetic acid is treated with 47 ml of 2.5 N H₂ SO₄, heated for 12 hours at 70° C., cooled and diluted with water and methylene chloride. The phases are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic phases are dried (MgSO₄), filtered through a pad of Al₂ O₃, and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a solid, mp 106°-108° C., characterized by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1h-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde oxime ##STR35##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal (23.0 g, 0.053 mole) in acetic acid is treated with 54 ml of 2.5N H₂ SO₄ and stirred at 70° C. for 12 hours. A 15 ml portion of the reaction solution is diluted to a total volume of 100 ml with water, the resulting precipitate is separated, washed with water, treated with a solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.0 g, 0.014 mole) in pyridine and ethanol, heated at 85° C. for several hours, cooled and concentrated in vacuo to give a solid residue. Recrystallization from aqueous ethanol, ethanol and toluene gives the title compound mp 148°-151° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetonitrile (I) and 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde O-acetylaxime (II) ##STR36##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetra-fluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde oxime (5.0 g, 0.012 mol) in acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at 22° C. for 20 hours and concentrated in vacuo to give an oil residue. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel using chloroform as eluant to afford the title compound (I), 2.0 g, mp 118°-119° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses and the title compound (II), 2.1 g, mp 95°-96° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde semicarbazone ##STR37##

A mixture of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde (0.0295 mole), semicarbazide hydrochloride (4.0 g, 0.035 mole), and sodium acetate (5.8 g, 0.071 mole) in aqueous ethanol is heated to reflux temperature, cooled and filtered. The solid filter cake is recrystallized from ethanol to give the title compound as a solid, mp 170°-171° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazol1-acetaldedhyde (2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazone ##STR38##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazol-1-acetaldedhyde (0.0294 mole) in ethanol is added to a solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (7 g, 0.035 mole) and conc. H₂ SO₄ (35 ml, 0.63 mole) in H₂ O at 50° C., allowed to come to room temperature and filtered. The solid filter cake is recrystallized from aqueous acetic acid and from ethanol to afford the title compound, mp 148°-149° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of (S)-6[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-phenyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetaldehyde ##STR39##

A mixture of (S)-6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-β-phenyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-ethanol (1.0 g, 0.0022 mole) i chloroform is treated with MnO₂, (1.0 g, 0.0115 mole) stirred at 40° C. for 18 hours and filtered through a bed of diatomaceous earth. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which is chromatographed using silica gel and 10% tetrahydrofuran in carbon tetrachloride to yield the title product as a white solid, 0.42 g, mp 84°-85° C., characterized by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetyl chloride ##STR40##

A mixture of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid (2.0 g, 0.005 mole), SOCl₂ (3 ml, 0.04 mole), methylene chloride and dimethylformamide (2 drops) is heated at reflux temperature for 2 hours, cooled and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue and which is chased twice with xylene at 65° C. The resultant residue is identified as the title product by infrared analysis.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of N-butyl-6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-.alpha.-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetamide ##STR41##

A solution of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetyl chloride (0.0084 mole) in toluene is added to n-butylamine (1.22 g, 0.0167 mole) at 22° C., stirred for 1 hour at ambient temperature and filtered. The solid filter cake is recrystallized from aqueous ethanol to afford the title compound as a white solid, mp 142°-143° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

Using essentially the same procedure and substituting the appropriate amine, the following compounds are obtained.

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR42##                                                                     R.sub.5       R.sub.6                                                                               mp °C.                                             ______________________________________                                         H             H      177-178                                                   H             C.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                       175.5-176                                                 CH.sub.3      C.sub.6 H.sub.5                                                                       132-133                                                   C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                              C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                       gum                                                       ______________________________________                                    

The above compounds are identified by NMR analysis.

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of methylallyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate ##STR43##

A mixture of 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid, thionyl chloride (0.8 ml, 0.011 mole), and 2 drops of dimethylformamide i methylene chloride is heated at reflux temperature for 2 hours, cooled and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which is re-evaporated four times with toluene at 60°. The resultant residue is treated with 2-methylallyl alcohol and pyridine, shaken until reaction is complete by infrared spectral analysis and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue. The thus-obtained residue is dissolved in 1T acetonitrile in carbon tetrachloride and filtered through a pad of silica. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to give a solid residue. The solid residue is recrystallized from warm heptane to afford the title compound as a white solid, mp 71°-74° C., identified by elemental and NMR analyses.

Using essentially the same procedure and substituting n-hexyl alcohol affords n-hexyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate as a gum, characterized by elemental and NMR analyses.

EXAMPLE 28 Postemergence herbicidal evaluation of test compounds

The postemergence herbicidal activity of the compounds of the present invention is demonstrated by the following tests wherein seeds or tubers of each species are planted 6 to 21 days prior to treatment, depending on the rate of growth of the seedlings. Each species is planted in an individual container and then all species assembled into an 11×11 inch tray for treatment. Planting is times to that monocot species having 2 to 4 leaves and dicots have cotyledons plus 1 to 3 leaves at treatment. After planting, trays are watered with an overhead mis and/or sub-irrigation to maintain moisture until ready for treatment. After treatment plants are watered by sub-irrigation only during the evaluation period.

In most cases the data are for a single test, but in several instances, they are average values obtained from more than one test.

    ______________________________________                                         Plant Species Used                                                             ______________________________________                                         Velvetleaf        Abutilon theophrasti                                         Oats, cultivated  Avana sativa                                                 Sicklepod         Cassia obtusifolia                                           Nutsedge, yellow  Cyperus esculentus                                           Barnyardgrass     Echinochola crusgalli                                        Soybeans          Glycine max                                                  Morningglory      Ipomea Sp.                                                   Sebania, hemp     Sesbania exaltata                                            Foxtail, yellow   Setaria glauca                                               Sida, prickley    Sida spinosa                                                 Johnsongrass      Sorghum halapense                                            Corn, cultivated  Zea mays                                                     Lambsquarters     Chenopodium album                                            Jimsonweed        Datura stramonium                                            ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                         Description of Symptoms                                                        Major    Rating                     Rating                                     Cateqory Symbol   Subcategory       Symbol                                     ______________________________________                                         Desiccation                                                                             D        a.    New growth occurring                                                                         Z                                        of Tissue         b.    Extreme variation in                                                                         V                                                                individual plant response                              Inhibition                                                                              I        a.    Break of axillary buds                                                                       X                                                          b.    Bleach or loss of color                                                                      B                                                          c.    Malformed seedlings                                                                          M                                        Abnormal A        a.    Abnormal leaves                                                                              L                                        Growth            b.    Twisting and bending                                                                         T                                                                of stems                                                                 c.    Elongation of internodes                                                                     E                                                          d.    Rosetting or Shortening                                                                      R                                        Color    C        a.    Loss of green color with                                                                     Y                                        Change                  yellow appearing tissue                                                  b.    Loss of green color with                                                                     W                                                                white appearing tissue                                                   c.    Increased red or pink                                                                        P                                                                pigments with or with-                                                         out loss of green                                      ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                         Severity of Injury                                                             Rating                                                                         Scale  Category of Injury                                                      ______________________________________                                         10     No regenerative tissue present                                                                     Death                                               9      No leaves expanded  Severe Injury                                       8      Leaves smaller than cotyledons                                                                     Severe Injury                                              or <1 inch                                                              7      Leaves larger than cotyledons                                                                      Severe Injury                                              or >1 inch                                                              6      Normal growth would not be                                                                         Moderate Injury                                            expected                                                                5      Normal growth would not be                                                                         Moderate Injury                                            expected                                                                4      Normal growth would not be                                                                         Moderate Injury                                            expected                                                                3      Temporary (maximum acceptable                                                                      Slight Injury                                              for crops)                                                              2      Superficial (obvious but no                                                                        Slight Injury                                              stunting)                                                               1      Minimum apparent injury                                                                            Slight Injury                                       0      Not different from untreated                                                                       No effect                                                  reference                                                               ______________________________________                                    

The potting media for postemergence testing was either TERRA-LITE®, Metro-Mix 300, 300, from W. R. Grace & Co., Cambridge, Mass., containing peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, composted pine bark, granite sand, and a wetting agent or a custom blend of natural silt loam soil:HYPONEX® top soil: perlite, 1:1:8 (v/v/v), plus 20-20-20 soluble fertilizer equivalent to 1,121 kg/ha.

The test compounds of the invention are dissolved in a solvent system of acetone:methanol:dimethylformamide, 90:8:2 (v/v/v) and the solution is atomized onto the plants at a rate equivalent to 561 L per hectare. Atomizing is accomplished by using air pressure to force the solution through a standard even-fan agricultural spray nozzle. Rate of application is controlled by placing the experimental units on a constant speed belt which carries them under the spray nozzle. After spraying, the plants are placed on greenhouse benches and are cared for in the usual manner commensurate with conventional greenhouse practices. From 1 to 3 weeks after treatment the seedling plants ar examined and rated according to the rating system provided below. The data obtained are recorded in table I below.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Postemergence Tests- Rates in Kg/ha                                            __________________________________________________________________________                   Prick                                                                              Jimso                                                                              Sickl                                                                               Lambs                                                                              Sesb                                                                              Velve                                                                              Morni                                                                              Nuts                                 Compound  Rate                                                                               sida                                                                               nweed                                                                              epod quart                                                                              ania                                                                              tleaf                                                                              nggly                                                                              edge                                 __________________________________________________________________________     Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             10D 10D 10D  8D  10D                                                                               10D --  9D                                   chloro-alpha,                                                                            1.1210                                                                             10D 9D  9D   10D 10D                                                                               10D 81M 1D                                   alpha,alpha-                                                                             0.5604                                                                             10D 10D 10D  10D 10D                                                                               10D 10D 3D                                   trifluoro- -p-                                                                           0.1121                                                                             10D 10D 9DZ  10D 10D                                                                               71D 10D 2D                                   tolyl)oxy]-                                                                              0.0560                                                                             10D 10D 10D  10D 10D                                                                               10D 10D 3D                                   alpha-methyl-                                                                            0.0112                                                                             9D  10D 10D  10D 9D 9DZ 10D 2DAL                                 1H-benzotria-                                                                            0.0056                                                                             7D  10D 10D  10D 8D 10D 10D 0                                    zole-1-acetate                                                                           0.0011                                                                             2IAL                                                                               51M 5DALZ                                                                               10D 3I 1I  41ALM                                                                              --                                             0.0005                                                                             2AL 3I  2AL  --  2I 2AL 3AL 0                                              0.0001                                                                             1AL 1I  1AL  --  0  1AL 2AL 0                                    Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            1.1210                                                                             10D --  10D  --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 10D                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                            0.1121                                                                             10D --  10D  --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 3D                                   alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           0.0112                                                                             10D --  10D  --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 1D                                   tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-1H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 6[(2-                                                                             1.2100                                                                             10D 10D 9D   10D 9D 9D  10D 8D                                   chloro-alpha,                                                                            1.1210                                                                             9D  10D 9DI  10D 9D 9D  10D 2D                                   alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         0.5604                                                                             5DIM                                                                               10D 8DIZ 10D 9D 7DI 10D 1D                                   fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0.1121                                                                             6DIM                                                                               10D 7DI  10D 9D 5DI 10D 2D                                   oxy]-1H-benzo-                                                                           0.0560                                                                             5I  10D 10D  10D 8D 5I  10D 1D                                   triazole-1-                                                                              0.0112                                                                             3I  9D  --   5I  7I 5I  10D 1I                                   acetate                                                                        Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             10D --  8IM  --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 2CY                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                            2,2416                                                                             10D --  71M  --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 0                                    alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           1.1210                                                                             10D --  9DIM --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 2ICY                                 tetrafluoro- -p-                                                                         0.1121                                                                             10D --  5I   --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 1I                                   tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                                        0.0112                                                                             5AL --  0    --  5I 3I  1D  1I                                   methyl-2H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-acetate                                                             Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             9DIM                                                                               10D 6I   9DI 10D                                                                               10D 10D 2DI                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                            2.2416                                                                             8IM 9D  3I   9D  8DZ                                                                               9DZ 10D 2I                                   alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         1.1210                                                                             8IM 10D 3D   8DIM                                                                               8DZ                                                                               6D  10D 1D                                   fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0.5604                                                                             8D  9D  0I   5I  8DZ                                                                               7D  9D  0                                    oxy]-alpha-methyl-                                                                       0.1121                                                                             5I  9DIM                                                                               2AL  3DI 5I 5IDZ                                                                               9DIM                                                                               0                                    2H-benzotriazole-                                                                        0.0560                                                                             2I  5IM 1I   3I  3I 5DZ 5AL 0                                    1-acetate 0.0112                                                                             3AL 2AL 0    0   2I 3AL 5AL --                                   Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            1.1210                                                                             10D --  10D  --  10D                                                                               10D 10D 0                                    chloro-alpha,                                                                            0.5604                                                                             10D --  10D  --  10D                                                                               10D 8IM 0                                    alpha,alpha,                                                                             0.1121                                                                             3AL --  3D   --  7D 7D  1AL 0                                    alpha,6-tetra-                                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                             oxy]-alpha-methyl                                                              1H-benzotriazole-                                                              1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             8IM 10D 10D  7D  10D                                                                               9D  --  2I                                   chloro-alpha,                                                                            1.1210                                                                             81M 81M 2I   10D 7D 5I  10D 1I                                   alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         0.5604                                                                             71M 81M 3I   7D  7I 5I  7I  2I                                   fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0.1121                                                                             3I  71M 7I   5I  3AL                                                                               3AL 5I  0                                    oxy]-alpha-methyl-                                                             1H-benzotriazole-                                                              1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            11.2084                                                                            7D  10D 7IX  10D 9D1                                                                               5DAL                                                                               10D 0                                    chloro-alpha,                                                                            0.1121                                                                             0   3AL 3I   2AL 4I 2AL 8I  0                                    alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         0.0560                                                                             1I  2AL 5I   2I  2I 2D  2I  0                                    fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0.0112                                                                             0   1AL 1I   1I  1I 3I  1AL 0                                    oxy]-1H-benzo-                                                                 triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        __________________________________________________________________________                             Fox                                                                               Jhnsn   Barny  Soy                                                Compound  tail                                                                              grass                                                                              Oats                                                                               ardgr                                                                              Corn                                                                              beans                                __________________________________________________________________________                   Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            10D                                                                               9D  9D  9D  10D                                                                               8D                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            10D                                                                               9D  9D  10D 9D 10D                                                alpha,alpha-                                                                             10D                                                                               9D  9D  10D 10D                                                                               10D                                                trifluoro- -p-                                                                           10D                                                                               8D  6D  9D  10D                                                                               10D                                                tolyl)oxy]-                                                                              10D                                                                               7D  5D  7D  10D                                                                               10D                                                alpha-methyl-                                                                            6D 6ID 2D  51D 10D                                                                               10D                                                1H-benzotria-                                                                            7I 5D  2I  3I  10D                                                                               10D                                                zole-1-acetate                                                                           2I 2I  1ID 3ICY                                                                               5IM                                                                               10D                                                          1D 1I  0   0   3I --                                                           0  2I  0   0   1I --                                                 Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            10D                                                                               10D 10D 10D 10D                                                                               10D                                                chloro-alpha,                                                                            10D                                                                               9D  10D 10D 8D 8DZ                                                alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           7D 3D  3I  5D  1D 3D                                                 tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-1H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 6[(2-                                                                             10D                                                                               10D 5DIM                                                                               10D -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            7D 7D  2D  6D  -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         7D 5D  2D  5D  -- --                                                 fluoro,p-tolyl)-                                                                         6DI                                                                               4DIM                                                                               3DAL                                                                               4DI -- --                                                 oxy]-1H-benzo-                                                                           7I 8D  2I  4I  -- --                                                 triazole-1-                                                                              5I 5I  0   3I  -- --                                                 acetate                                                                        Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            10D                                                                               10D 10D 10D 5D 10D                                                chloro-alpha,                                                                            10D                                                                               10D 4D  10D 1CY                                                                               7IM                                                alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           9D 10D 3D  9D  2CY                                                                               5DIM                                               tetrafluoro- -p-                                                                         2D 3D  3D  3D  2D 2AL                                                tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                                        3I 1I  0   0   0  1AL                                                methyl-2H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-acetate                                                             Methyl 5-[ (2-                                                                           9D 9D  7D  9D  -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            10D                                                                               9D  3D  10D -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         9D 8D  5D  10D -- --                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       9D 7D  2D  10D -- --                                                 oxy]-alpha-methyl-                                                                       6DI                                                                               4DI 1D  5D  -- --                                                 2H-benzotriazole-                                                                        6I 2I  1CY 2CY -- --                                                 1-acetate 4I 5I  1CY 0   -- --                                                 Methyl5-[(2-                                                                             8D 8D  5D  8D  0  3AL                                                chloro-alpha,                                                                            7D 3D  2D  5D  0  2AT                                                alpha,alpha,                                                                             2D 1D  1D  1D  0  2AL                                                alpha,6-tetra-                                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                             oxy]-alpha-methyl                                                              1H-benzotriazole-                                                              1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            71M                                                                               8D  3D  7D  -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            3D 5I  2I  5I  -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         2D 3I  2I  5I  -- --                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       1I 0   1I  2CY -- --                                                 oxy]-alpha-methyl-                                                             1H-benzotriazole-                                                              1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            5D 4D  3D  4DI -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            0  0   0   0   -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         0  2CP 0   1I  -- --                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0  0   0   1D  -- --                                                 oxy]-1H-benzo-                                                                 triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                          __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 29 Preemergence herbicidal evaluation of test compounds

The preemergence herbicidal activity of the compounds of the present invention is exemplified by the following tests in which the seeds or tubers are pressed into the surface of the potting media in individual sections of an 11×11 inch tray, then covered with approximately 0.25 inch of coarse sand. A solution of the test compound in acetone:methanol:dimethylformamide, 90:8:2 (v/v/v) is sprayed onto the sand surface at a rate equivalent to 561 L per hectare in the manner described above for postemergence testing, then approximately 0.5 inch of water is added to leach the test compound into contact with the seeds, or tubers, and into the potting media. The potting media for preemergence testing was either a blend consisting of 3 parts (by volume) of pasteurized silt loam top soil (ca. 1.5% O. M.) and one part coarse sand or the same as that described for postemergence testing above. The treated trays are placed on greenhouse benches and cared for in accordance with conventional greenhouse procedures. From 2 to 3 weeks after treatment, the trays are examined and rated according to the rating scale system set forth above. The herbicidal prociency of the active ingredients of the present invention is evident form the test results which are recorded in Table II below. When more than one test is involved for a given compound, the data are averaged.

                                      TABLE II                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Preemergence Tests- Rtes in Kg/ha                                              __________________________________________________________________________                   Prick                                                                              Jimso                                                                              Sickl                                                                              Lambs                                                                              Sesb                                                                               Velve                                                                              Morni                                                                              Nuts                                 Compound  Rate                                                                               sida                                                                               nweed                                                                              epod                                                                               quart                                                                              ania                                                                               tleaf                                                                              nggly                                                                              edge                                 __________________________________________________________________________     Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             10D 10D 10D 10I 10D 10D 10D 10D                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                            1.1210                                                                             10I 10D 9D  10I 10D 71M 81M 9D                                   alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         0.5604                                                                             5AL 10D 10D 9I  10D 7DZ 81M 61M                                  fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0.1121                                                                             4AIL                                                                               71M 2D  7I  10D 3AIL                                                                               41M 0                                    oxy]-alpha-                                                                              0.0560                                                                             0   9I  1D  8I  5I  3I  5AL 0                                    methyl-1H-benzo                                                                          0.0112                                                                             6ICY                                                                               5ICY                                                                               0   7I  2I  1I  2I  0                                    triazole-1-                                                                              0.0056                                                                             1I  1CY 0   5I  0   0   2CP 0                                    acetate   0.0011                                                                             0   0   0   2CY 0   0   1CP 0                                    Methyl-6-[(2-                                                                            1.1210                                                                             10D --  8I  --  10D 10D 10D 10D                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                            0.1121                                                                             2I  --  3I  --  5D  5I  2AL 0                                    alpha-alpha,6-                                                                           0.0112                                                                             1I  --  3I  --  0   2I  1I  0                                    tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-1H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            11.2108                                                                            10I 10I 10D 10I 10D 10D 10D 10D                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                  alpha,alpha-                                                                   trifluoro- -p-                                                                 tolyl)oxy]-1H-                                                                 benzotriazole-                                                                 1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[ (2-                                                                           5.6040                                                                             10I --  10D --  10D 10D 9I  0                                    chloro-alpha,                                                                            2.2417                                                                             9DZ --  10D --  10D 10D 7IM 0                                    alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           1.1208                                                                             7D  --  5I  --  5I  7I  3AL 0                                    tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-2H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             8IM 10DI                                                                               1I  10I 8DIM                                                                               6IM 7IM 1I                                   chloro-alpha,                                                                            2.2417                                                                             5IM 9D  0   10I 7I  3I  2I  0                                    alpha,alpha-                                                                             1.1208                                                                             4IM 6IM 0   6I  5I  1I  2ICP                                                                               0                                    trifluoro- -p-                                                                           0.5604                                                                             5I  2AL O   10I 3I  0   0   0                                    tolyl)oxy]-                                                                              0.1121                                                                             2I  2AL 0   10I 1I  0   1CP --                                   alpha-methyl-                                                                  2H-benzotria-                                                                  zole-1-acetate                                                                 Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            1.1208                                                                             5I  --  0   --  0   3I  2CP 0                                    chloro-alpha,                                                                            0.5604                                                                             2I  --  0   --  0   3I  0   2I                                   alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           0.1121                                                                             1I  --  1I  --  1I  1CY 0   2I                                   tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-1H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            5.6040                                                                             81M 91M 8I  9I  9I  8IM 9I  3I                                   chloro-alpha,                                                                            1.1208                                                                             2I  5AL 0   8I  1I  1AL 2CP 1D                                   alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         0.5604                                                                             0   5AL 0   2VY 0   2I  2D  1D                                   fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       0.1121                                                                             0   2AL 2CY 0   2I  0   2I  1D                                   oxy]-alpha-methyl-                                                             1H-benzotriazole-                                                              1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            11.2084                                                                            4I  10D 7I  10I 3I  6I  4I  3ICY                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            0.1121                                                                             7IM 5AL 1I  7I  1CY 5IM 0   0                                    alpha,alpha-                                                                             0.0560                                                                             5AL 3AL 0   7I  0   3IM 0   0                                    trifluoro- -p-                                                                           0.0112                                                                             2AL 2AL 1CY 2CY 0   2I  0   0                                    tolyl)oxy]-1H-                                                                 benzotriazole-                                                                 1-acetate                                                                      __________________________________________________________________________                             Fox                                                                               Jhnsn   Barny  Soy                                                Compound  tail                                                                              grass                                                                              Oats                                                                               ardgr                                                                              Corn                                                                              beans                                __________________________________________________________________________                   Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            10D                                                                               10I 8D  10D 10D                                                                               10I                                                chloro-alpha,                                                                            10D                                                                               10D 3D  10D 10D                                                                               10I                                                alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         10D                                                                               8D  0   8D  10D                                                                               9I                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       4I 5DI 0   3ICY                                                                               8IM                                                                               8I                                                 oxy]-alpha-                                                                              3I 7D  2I  2I  9I 8I                                                 methyl-1H-benzo                                                                          1I 4I  0   2ID 6ICY                                                                              7I                                                 triazole-1-                                                                              2I 2I  2I  0   1CY                                                                               5I                                                 acetate   0  0   1I  0   0  2CY                                                Methyl-6-[(2-                                                                            9D 10D 10D 10D 10D                                                                               7IM                                                chloro-alpha,                                                                            1I 1I  1D  2CY 0  1I                                                 alpha-alpha,6-                                                                           1I 1I  1I  2I  0  2I                                                 tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-1H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 6-[(2-                                                                            9DI                                                                               10D 9DIM                                                                               10D -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                  alpha,alpha-                                                                   trifluoro- -p-                                                                 tolyl)oxy]-1H-                                                                 benzotriazole-                                                                 1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            10D                                                                               8D  2D  3D  1CP                                                                               5AL                                                chloro-alpha,                                                                            5I 2D  2D  2CY 1CY                                                                               2I                                                 alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           3D 1I  0   2CY 1CP                                                                               1I                                                 tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-2H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            10D                                                                               9D  2ICY                                                                               9D  -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            10D                                                                               9D  0   10D -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-                                                                             7D 5DCI                                                                               0   5D  -- --                                                 trifluoro- -p-                                                                           8D 6D  0   3D  -- --                                                 tolyl)oxy]-                                                                              2AL                                                                               3I  0   0   -- --                                                 alpha-methyl-                                                                  2H-benzotria-                                                                  zole-1-acetate                                                                 Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            3I 1I  2I  1I  0  0                                                  chloro-alpha,                                                                            1I 2I  1D  1D 1I                                                                              0                                                     alpha,alpha,6-                                                                           2I 2I  1D  2D  1I 2I                                                 tetrafluoro- -p-                                                               tolyl)oxy]-alpha-                                                              methyl-1H-benzo-                                                               triazole-1-                                                                    acetate                                                                        Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            7I 8I  3I  5D  -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            3I 3I  0   0   -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-tri-                                                                         3I 3I  1D  0   -- --                                                 fluoro- -p-tolyl)-                                                                       3I 5I  0   0   -- --                                                 oxy]-alpha-methyl-                                                             1H-benzotriazole-                                                              1-acetate                                                                      Methyl 5-[(2-                                                                            9D 6IAIM                                                                              0   5IAIM                                                                              -- --                                                 chloro-alpha,                                                                            1D 0   2D  1I  -- --                                                 alpha,alpha-                                                                             0  0   1D  2I  -- --                                                 trifluoro- -p-                                                                           2I 0   1D  3I  -- --                                                 tolyl)oxy]-1H-                                                                 benzotriazole-                                                                 1-acetate                                                        __________________________________________________________________________ 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound having the structure: ##STR44## wherein M is C--X,W, X, Y and Z each independently represent hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl or C₁ -C₄ haloalkoxy; n is 0, 1 or 2; R is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, aryl or when taken together with R₁, R and R₁ may form a ring in which RR₁ are represented by the structure --(CH₂)_(m) -- where m is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5; R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or when taken together R₁ and R₂ may form a ring in which R₁ R₂ are represented by the structure --(CH₂)_(m) -- where m is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5; R₃ is cyano, ##STR45## CH₂ OR₈ or CH(OR₉)₂ ; Q is OH, OR₄ or NR₅ R₆ ;A is O, NOR₅, NCOR₅, NNR₅ R₆ or NNHCONH₂ ; R₇ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or aryl; R₈ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R₉ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R₄ is C₁ -C₆ alkyl optionally interrupted by O or S or optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy halogen, hydroxy, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, furyl, or optionally substituted phenyl; C₃ -C₆ alkenyl optionally substituted with one or two C₁ -C₃ alkoxy, halogen, substituted phenyl or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; C₃ -C₆ alkynyl optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or halogen; C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; ammonium; C₁ -C₆ dialkylammonium; C₁ -C₆ trialkylammonium; a metal cation; or a moiety of formula ##STR46## R₅ and R₆ each independently represent hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or halophenyl; the benzotriazole N-oxide or N-methosulfate; and when R₁ or R₂ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, the optical isomer thereof, with the proviso that when M is C--X in formula I, wherein X is hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano or C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl, the benzotriazole is substituted in the 6 position by aryloxy, n is O, R₃ is ##STR47## and R₇ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, then R and R₁ cannot be hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl.
 2. The compound according to claim 1 having the structure: ##STR48## wherein the benzotriazole portion of said compound is substituted by aryloxy in the 5 or 6 position and M, Y, W, Z, n, R, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as described in claim
 1. 3. The compound according to claim 1 having the structure: ##STR49## wherein M, Y, W, Z, n, R, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are as described in claim
 1. 4. The compound according to claim 2 wherein the benzotriazole is substituted in the 6 position by aryloxy; M is C--X; W is hydrogen; X, Y, and Z each independently represent Cl, F, or CF₃ ; n is O; R is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R₁ is hydrogen or methyl; R₃ is ##STR50## Q is OH or OR₄ ; and R₄ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl.
 5. The compound according to claim 2, methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 6. The compound according to claim 2, methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 7. The compound according to claim 2, 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid.
 8. The compound according to claim 2, methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 9. The compound according to claim 2, 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-β-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-propionic acid.
 10. The compound according to claim 2, methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α,.alpha.-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 11. The compound according to claim 2, methyl 6-[(ζ,α,α-trifluoro-2-nitro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 12. The compound according to claim 2, 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetamide.
 13. The compound according to claim 2, isopropylammonium 7-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 14. The compound according to claim 2, 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetonitrile.
 15. A compound having the structure: ##STR51## wherein M is C--X;W, X, Y and Z each independently represent hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano or C₁ -C₄ haloalkyl; n is 0, 1 or 2; R is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, or when taken together with R₁, R and R₁ may form a ring in which RR₁ are represented by the structure --(CH₂)_(m) -- where M is an integer of 2, 3, 4 or 5; R₁ and R₂ are each independnelty hydrogen, or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R₃ si cyano, ##STR52## or CH₂ OR₈ ; Q is OH, OR₄ or NR₅ R₆ ;R₈ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl; R₄ is C₁ -C₆ alkyl optionally interrupted by O, or optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, C₃ --C₆ cycloalkyl, or phenyl optionally substituted with one or two halogen or C₁ -C₃ alkoxy; C₃ -C₆ alkenyl optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or halogen; C₃ -C₆ alkynyl optionally substituted with C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or halogen; or C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl; R₅ and R₆ each independently represent hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or halophenyl; the benzotriazole N-oxides, and when R₁ or R₂ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, the optical isomers thereof.
 16. A method for the control of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous annual, perennial and aquatic plant species which comprises applying to the foliage of said plants or to the soil or water containing seeds or other propagating organs of said plants, a herbicidally effective amount of a substituted aryloxy benzotriazole compound, wherein said compound is as described in claim
 1. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said compound is 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetic acid.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein said compound is methyl 6-[(2-chloro-α,α,α,6-tetrafluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]-α-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-1-acetate.
 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein said compound is applied to the foliage of said plants at a rate of about 0.005 kg/ha to 5.0 kg/ha.
 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein said compound is applied to the soil or water containing seeds, or other propagating organs, or said plants at a rate of about 0.5 kg/ha to 5.0 kg/ha.
 21. A composition for controlling monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous annual, perennial and aquatic plant species comprising an agronomically acceptable carrier containing a herbicidally effective amount of a substituted aryloxy benzotriazole compound, wherein said compound is as described in claim
 1. 22. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the carrier is liquid or solid in form.
 23. The composition according to claim 22, which comprises about 5% to 25% by weight of the compound of claim 1, about 65% to 90% by weight of a carrier and about 5% to 10% by weight of a surface active agent.
 24. The composition according to claim 22, which comprises about 80% to 97% by weight of a solid carrier and about 3% to 20% by weight of the compound of claim
 1. 